Two arrested in drug and firearms supply probe

The arrests are part of an investigation into the activities of an organised crime network alleged to be involved in the supply of drugs and firearms.

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Two men have been arrested as part of an investigation into an organised crime network alleged to be involved in the supply of drugs and firearms in the UK and Ireland.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a 51-year-old man from Staffordshire was arrested on arrival at Birmingham Airport on Saturday morning on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering offences.

A second man, aged 20 and also from Staffordshire, was also arrested at the airport on suspicion of money laundering offences, the agency said.

Both men were being quizzed by officers at a Staffordshire police station on Saturday afternoon.

NCA officers, supported by Staffordshire Police, also launched a search of a property in the Tamworth area and a business in Birmingham.

The NCA said the arrests and searches were part of an investigation into the activities of an organised crime network alleged to be involved in the supply of drugs and firearms.

A spokesman said: “Two men from Staffordshire have been arrested as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into the supply of drugs and firearms in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

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“A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to import and supply drugs, firearms and ammunition, as well as money laundering offences on arrival at Birmingham Airport this morning.

“At the same location a second man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences.

“NCA officers, supported by colleagues from Staffordshire Police, are also searching a property in the Tamworth area and a business premises in Birmingham.

“The arrest and searches are part of an investigation into the activities of an organised crime network alleged to be involved in the supply of drugs and firearms.”

The investigation is being supported in Ireland by An Garda Siochana and other international partners, the NCA added.